Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must “flip that coin” as they chase Premier League leaders Liverpool in their quest to be crowned champions of England, following two agonising near-misses.
The second-placed Gunners, who finished as runners-up to Manchester City over the past two seasons, trail Arne Slot’s in-form Liverpool by six points. Liverpool, who have a game in hand, have played half their league fixtures.
A series of setbacks in October and early November have left Arsenal playing catch-up, and Arteta, speaking on Friday, called for greater consistency from his team as they prepare to face mid-table Brighton on Saturday.
“We have to show the same level of consistency and a bit more because, over the last year, we have been the best team in the league, broken various records, and still haven’t won a major trophy. So, something is missing,” said the Spaniard.
“It’s going to come down to very fine margins and small details. You can pick out certain games and situations, but in the end, we’re so close, and we just have to flip that coin to the other side to make it happen.
“That’s only going to happen if we focus on what we can control. The rest is out of our hands.”
Arsenal, seeking their first Premier League title since 2004, are set to be without Bukayo Saka until March after the England winger suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last month.
“There’s not one player who’s going to play nine games in a row in that position—it’s impossible,” said Arteta.
He added: “We need more attacking threat, more players fit, and rotation in that unit. Based on that, we will make decisions, as well as considering players’ performances. It’s that simple.”
The Arsenal manager said he was unsure whether the club would make any signings during the January transfer window.
“The focus is on the players we have,” he said. “When there’s something in the market that we can afford and that we believe will have a real impact on the team, we have to be open to that possibility.
“We have the ability to strengthen the squad in the transfer windows, but for now, the focus remains on what we already have.”
AFP
